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King of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

King of Cups Keywords

UPRIGHT:  thoughtful | connected | charismatic | compassionate

REVERSED: inner feelings | immature | shallow | moody

King of Cups Description

The King of Cups is depicted sitting on a robust stone throne, clad in a blue tunic and golden cape, signifying his authoritative and esteemed position. Around his neck, he wears a fish amulet, a nod to his creative essence. He holds a cup in his right hand, symbolizing emotional depth, and a sceptre in his left, representing authority and control. His detached gaze from the cup suggests his mastery over emotions, indicating a level of emotional intelligence and stability.

The scene shows him atop a granite block amidst a churning sea, highlighting his ability to maintain composure and balance in the face of adversity. The imagery of a leaping fish and a steady ship amid the tumultuous waters reflects his skill in navigating complex emotional landscapes with calmness and steadiness. This King epitomizes the equilibrium between acknowledging feelings and exercising discipline, demonstrating his proficiency in managing both internal and external realms.

NOTE: The tarot card meaning description is based on the Rider-Waite deck and Decoding The Cards

Wishing For A Deeper Tarot Connection?

Decoding The Cards goes further than keywords and traditional interprations by providing exercises for each card in the tarot.

The exercises this book are designed to challenge you to delve deeper into the meanings of each card, as well as consider your own personal experiences in relation to the traditional meanings.

King of Cups Upright

The King of Cups is a wise and caring figure, well-versed in the nuances of emotion and understanding. Within himself, he can cultivate a strong sense of stability in tumultuous times, exercising a great deal of control and composure in challenging situations. He is highly regarded for his sincerity and love toward others, always striving to ensure that those around him are cared for and supported in every way possible.


The King of Cups is often seen as someone that others can turn to for guidance or advice, as he has the patience to listen intently and provide constructive insights from an emotional standpoint. He is wise beyond his years, maturely managing difficult matters with empathy and understanding.

King of Cups Reversed

The reversed King of Cups may signify one is turning inward and focusing on their emotions and subconscious depths.


The reversed King of Cups can be untrustworthy — rather than keeping the peace, he likes to stir the pot.


It could also suggest one who is emotionally distant or needy, depending on the context it appears in.

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